Page 14 of Tainted Love
“Doesn’t look like it.”
My phone rings and I slip it out of my pocket, groaning when I see Mum’s name on the screen.
“Hi Mum.”
“Hey sweetie, how’s band practise going?”
“Good.”
“Will you be coming home soon? Last night was hectic with you and Bea both arriving home. We were hoping to have a family dinner tonight.”
I take another toke of my joint and close my eyes. “I’ll be home soon.”
“Great.” I can hear the smile in her voice and feel guilty for all the shit I was just saying about her. “See you soon.”
I hang up the call and slip my phone back into my pocket with a sigh. The last thing I want to do is sit through a dinner where we are forced to play happy families. If I wasn’t so intent on ensuring Attie was alright, I’d move out. But I will not leave my little sister on her own to deal with the inevitable fallout of this marriage imploding.
Chapter 7
Bea
AROUND HALF-PAST FIVE, footsteps thunder on the stairs, and my body vibrates with anticipation. What the hell is wrong with me? Elias is a condescending prick who thinks he can use my body however he wants. Why the hell does that turn me on so much?
A couple of seconds later, I hear the door across the hall open and slam shut, and I hate the way my shoulders slump.
Music starts up, and I recognise the Romping Rhinos—one of the bands Elias toured with. So, I may have done some online stalking instead of focussing on my pre-requisite work for my law degree—sue me for being curious.
Forever Summer started these really cool video diaries on their socials about six months back. They were raw and really showcased their music and their brand, but they unexpectedly stopped not long after, and there was nothing for a bit. Then the summer festival tour started, but all they posted were some photos of them on stage.
I’m itching to know who’d helped them with the video diaries because they were really good. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they had something to do with their decentfollower count on social media, as the videos were the kind of content that engages and draws people in.
At quarter past six I close my laptop. I’m being a brat, and I’m aware of my behaviour. Elena said dinner would be served at six and I’m dragging my feet on purpose. I don’t want to endure an awkward meal with my new family. I’d rather poke my eyes out with broken glass. Music is still coming from Elias’ room, so I assume he’s ditching the meal altogether.
I climb off my bed with a huff, figuring I can get through a meal if I don’t have to sit across the table from the dark prince and his moodiness. Attie doesn’t seem all that bad, and I can be civil to Elena for my dad’s sake.
I cross my room and slide the bathroom door open to find a shirtless Elias standing in front of the mirror squirting eyedrops into his bloodshot eyes. My gaze falls to his chest, taking in the intricate designs of ink covering his body. I knew he was fit, but the way his muscles flex has me clenching my thighs.
“Can I help you, Duchess?” he growls when he sees me frozen in the doorway.
I swallow, tearing my eyes from his chest, moving them up to his scowling face. Nothing in his tone or gaze indicate last night’s interaction even happened. My eyes narrow. What the fuck—am I just another piece of groupie arse to him? Only problem is I’m not a groupie.
“I need to wash up for dinner.”
“Have at it,” he says with a shrug, moving over so I can access the sink.
I quickly wash my hands and splash some cool water on my heated cheeks. When I straighten up, he passes me a towel without a word. My stomach is twisted in knots at being so close to him, but he doesn’t seem to be affected at all. He’s acting like he didn’t have his fingers in my pussy last night.
As I turn to leave, he steps behind me and his warm breathbrushes the back of my neck as he murmurs, “See you down there, Duchess.”
I hate the way my body reacts, but no way will I let him see. So, when I reach the bottom of the stairs, I take a few moments to compose myself before entering the dining room. Elias follows me, thankfully now wearing a shirt.
“Here they are,” Dad says, with a huge grin.
I slip into the seat to his right, noting the relief on Elena’s face. Unfortunately, Attie has already claimed her seat which means Elias can either sit next to me or across from me, and neither option seems very appealing.
When he drops into the seat next to me, I breathe a silent sigh of relief that I won’t have to look at him during this meal. The relief is short-lived though when I realise I can feel the heat of his body, and smell his alluring earthy and masculine scent.
Thankfully, Attie draws our attention. She talks a mile a minute about how much she loves her new school and has already signed up for the mid-year school production of Hairspray.
